The Daily Mail reports that Sir Alex Ferguson has made direct contact with Arsene Wenger over Robin van Persie, thus increasing the chances of Man United coming in with a stronger bid soon. The report also suggests that the Dutchman could be a Red Devil before this weekend’s kick-off, which is a bit of a stretch as United aren’t willing to go beyond £20m and Arsenal are demanding close to £30m from their rivals.

Arsenal’s Ryo Miyaichi has moved to Wigan Athletic on loan for the rest of the season, the club announced on their official website. The 19 year old Japanese enjoyed a loan spell at Bolton last season and with Arsene Wenger signing a host of new faces this summer, he was always expected to head out to gain first-team experience. Wigan are believed to be also looking to strengthen their strike force, and the Daily Mail believes a bid for Levante striker Arouna Koune might be forthcoming

Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin is expected to sort out his future by the end of the week according to the Metro, with the Turkish midfielder reportedly torn between Arsenal and Liverpool. Both English giants are eyeing the 23 year old on a season-long loan, but with Liverpool only offering Thursday night football on Channel five, Champions League playing Arsenal are the favourites.

Alex Song has finally cleared the air over his Arsenal future as the Cameroonian took to Twitter to declare his love for the Gunners. The midfielder has been strongly pursued by Barcelona in recent weeks and he confessed to Sky Sports that he was aware of interest from the Catalans: “I am not going to lie if I said there is no interest but I am at Arsenal·and I am happy at Arsenal. Barcelona are the best team in the world, and speculation will always continue until the window closes.” An angry Arsene Wenger meanwhile ruled out the speculation linking Song to Barcelona as complete nonsense in an interview with the Sun.

Much wanted Caen striker M’Baye Niang is believed to be heading over to Everton this week for a trial after having failed to secure a move to Arsenal earlier this summer. AC Milan and Manchester City are both believed to still be interested in the youngster according to the Sun.